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(No M odei.) I V v J. W. SCHLOSS;

BRAID RAGK AND SHOW GASE- No. 556,068. PatentedMar. 10, 1&96.

LNDRCW B oRANAhLPHOTc-L'mn WASWNG" I UNITED STATES JOSEPH W. SCI-ILOSS,

OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

BRAlD-RACK AND SHOW-GAS E.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 556,068, dated March 10, 1896. Application filed February 7, 1895. Serial No. 5 37,564. (N 0 model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOSEPH W. SOHLOss, a citizen of the United Statcs,residing at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Braid-Racks and Show-Cases, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to a rack or case for braids, tapes, and ribbons designed as a con venient device for stores or users of such articles, as a show-case and rack from which the articles may be drawn in quantities to suit without necessitating the removal of the packages from the case or rack.

A further object is that the device shall be so constructed as to permit of replenishing the case or rack whenever a particular parcel or package is exhausted.

The invention consists, in general terms, of

the combination of a case or rack having a cross-section of polygonal form adapted to receive and contain a number of reels entirely independent of each other and placed transversely therein and having polygonal sides, such that certain edges of the reels will rest against in parallel relation with the sides of the case or rack, the reels to be constructed so that the coils of braid, tape, or ribbon thereon may freely rotate independent of the sides of the reels when the free end of the strip is drawn out.

Other details of construction are also comprehended by my invention, all of which will be fully hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents a perspective of my improved rack and case with its reels, the braid, tape, or ribbon in operative position therein. Fig. 2 is a transverse section of the case or rack.

A represents a box made either of pasteboard, wood, or other suitable material. It is preferably square in transverse section, although it may be triangular, hexagonal, or of any other polygonal form. Its length will depend upon its intended capacity. The upper half of the front side of the box will be a hinged flap or adapted to swing outward and downward against the lower half of the side and expose the upper part of the con tents of the box. The box will be provided with a cover a, which will pass over the flap a when in its closed position for purposes of transportation or preservation. Inside of the box are placed one or more reels or spools 1), upon each of which is wound a coil of braid, cord, tape, or ribbon, as indicated. by I). These reels will preferably be constructed with a central shaft 12 and a loose spool 19 thereon, the latter carrying the coil of braid orother material. The shaft will be rigidly fixed to the sides 19 of the reel, so that when the sides are held stationary the strip may be easily unwound to any length by drawing it ofi.

The sides of the reel are bounded by straight edges b and when the reel is placed in the case A these straight edges are parallel to and fit closely against the sides of the case and prevent rotary movement of the reel when in the box. The number of straight edges bounding the sides of the reel may be equal to the number of sides of the box, but I prefer to use a square box and an octagonal reel because the latter more nearlyapproaches the shape of the coils or braid and more freely exposes the braid to view when the flap 0, is tipped down, while the polygonal shape will give sufficient bearing-surface against the sides of the box to prevent slipping around when force is applied to the coil upon a reel.

It is preferred to make the case or rack in the manner described, but I desire to point out the fact that it may be made of Wire or skeleton work of any character so long as it is provided with surfaces which when in connection with the shape of the reels will prevent the latter from twisting or turning. The closed box, however, is much preferable because it protects the braid from dust and injury.

In using this apparatus it is contemplated to fill the reels with different colors and with diiferent qualities of braids or -ribbons, and as each is required the desired quantity is drawn off by pulling on the free end of the strip and then cutting off the withdrawn length. If too much is withdrawn it may be rewound upon the reel by rotating it backward with the fingers. Inasmuch as the reels are entirely independent of one another, they not being mounted upon a common shaft or otherwise connected together, any particular reel may be bodily removed and a new one put in its place or a new coil of braid supplied to it without removing or displacing any of the other reels.

Having thus described my invention, I claim- 1. The combination of a case or rack polygonal in cross-section and a plurality of inclependent reels arranged therein, each reel having sides and a central shaft rigidly secured thereto, the sides being of such size and shape as to fit the inside of the case or rack and be held from rotation thereby and the shaft being adapted to receive a coil of material and permit its rotation thereon, the case or rack being provided with an opening through which the ends of the coils pass, substantially as shown and described and for the purpose set forth.

JOSEPH W. SOIILOSS. Witnesses:

FRANK S. ()BER, ALFRED E. I-IORNFELD. 

